El Fuerte, Sinaloa: “The Strong” “The Fort”

El Fuerte is a charming colonial town rich with history and allure, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Mexico’s past. Originally a trading outpost for mining and commercial operations, this colonial gem has flourished over the centuries. Unlike many tourist destinations, El Fuerte has not been overly gentrified, and part of its appeal is imagining the beauty and stories embedded within its 400-500 years of history. It’s also an ideal place to board the Copper Canyon Train, as the terrain from Los Mochis to El Fuerte is mainly flat and monotonous.

– Dorothy Bell

Originally named San Juan Bautista de Carapoa, El Fuerte derived its current name from the fort built by Captain Diego Martínez de Hurdaide. Founded in 1564 by Francisco de Ibarra, known as “The Phoenix of the Conquerors,” the town was a strategic site in the Spanish conquest and exploration of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.

The fort was constructed to protect the Spanish settlers from the Zuaque and Tehueco Indians. Situated on the Camino Real, a mule train trail from Guadalajara to Álamos, El Fuerte became an important gateway to the Californias, Arizona, and Sonora. For 300 years, it dominated the commercial and agricultural sectors of northern Mexico, serving as the chief trading hub for silver and gold miners. It was declared the state capital in 1824 of what was then Sonora y Sinaloa, which also encompassed parts of Arizona.

In 2009, El Fuerte was designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

Location

El Fuerte is a small colonial city situated on the El Fuerte River in the northeastern part of the state of Sinaloa.

Climate

El Fuerte experiences warm winters and hot summers, with excessive rainfall during July, August, and September.

Average Temperatures:

• January: High 27.7°C (81.9°F), Low 7.5°C (45.5°F)
• July: High 37.7°C (99.9°F), Low 24°C (75.2°F)

Key Information

• Population: Approximately 30,000
• Elevation: 180 meters (590 feet)
• Founded: 1564 by Francisco de Ibarra
• Medical Facilities: Hospital, doctors, dentists
• Financial Services: Bancomer bank and ATMs available

Things to See and Do

Copper Canyon

The train station, a few miles east of town, is the gateway to the breathtaking Copper Canyon, offering scenic views and adventure.

Hunting and Fishing

Visitors can hire local guides through their hotels to take them hunting in the foothills or fishing in the El Fuerte River or in the Hidalgo and Domínguez Reservoirs, known for their largemouth bass.

Petroglyphs

The Hill of the Mask is one of the largest petroglyph complexes in Sinaloa, located approximately 5 kilometers from the city on the banks of the Río Fuerte. The site contains 45 stones with more than 100 engravings, dating between 800 and 2500 years old.

Visit the Fort

Visit the replica of the original fort, which offers a good vantage point for photos and insights into the area’s history.

Enjoy the Colonial Architecture

El Fuerte boasts beautiful colonial architecture, including:

• The Municipal Palace
• Plaza de Armas
• La Casa de la Cultura
• Hotel Posada del Hidalgo
• The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• The House of the Constitutional Congress
• Orrantia Family Mansion
• The Old Town Hotel
• House of General Pablo Macías Valenzuela

Each of these sites tells a part of El Fuerte’s rich history and adds to the town’s undeniable charm.

How to Get to El Fuerte, Sinaloa

El Fuerte is accessible by various modes of transportation, making it a convenient destination for travelers exploring the rich culture and history of northern Mexico. Here are some options:

By Air

Los Mochis International Airport (LMM) is the nearest airport to El Fuerte, located about 85 kilometers (53 miles) away. It offers flights from major cities in Mexico and limited international flights.

1. From the Airport to El Fuerte:
   • Car Rental: Renting a car at the airport is a convenient option. The drive to El Fuerte takes about 1.5 hours via Mexico Highway 36.
   • Taxi: Taxis and shuttle services are available at the airport, offering direct transport to El Fuerte.
   • Bus: You can take a local bus from the airport to Los Mochis city center and then catch a regional bus to El Fuerte.

By Train

Chepe Express is the famous train service that connects El Fuerte to the Copper Canyon and other destinations.

• From Los Mochis: Board the Chepe Express train from Los Mochis, a scenic 3-hour journey to El Fuerte. This route offers beautiful views of the Sierra Madre mountains.
• From Chihuahua: The Chepe train also runs from Chihuahua to El Fuerte, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Copper Canyon.

By Bus

Several bus companies operate routes to El Fuerte from various cities in Mexico:

• From Los Mochis: Regular buses run from Los Mochis to El Fuerte, taking approximately 2 hours. Companies like Tufesa and Autotransportes de Guasave provide this service.
• From Culiacán: Buses from Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, to El Fuerte take around 6 hours. Look for services from companies like El Águila and Transportes Chihuahuenses.

By Car

Driving to El Fuerte offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of Sinaloa.

• From Los Mochis: Take Highway 36 and follow the signs to El Fuerte. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
• From Culiacán: Take Highway 15 north to Los Mochis, then switch to Highway 36 to reach El Fuerte. The journey takes around 6 hours.
• From Mazatlán: Drive north on Highway 15 to Los Mochis and then take Highway 36. The trip is approximately 8 hours long.

Local Transportation

Once in El Fuerte, you can explore the town using local taxis, rental cars, or by foot. The town’s colonial charm and compact size make it perfect for walking and discovering hidden gems.

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With these travel options, getting to El Fuerte is straightforward, whether you’re flying in from another country, traveling by train, or exploring Mexico by car. Enjoy your journey to this historical and picturesque destination!